Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G vs. Apple iPhone 16 Pro: In-Depth Comparison
These two phones cater to very different audiences, with distinct strengths in affordability, productivity, and premium performance. Let’s break down how they compare in critical areas—design, display, performance, camera, battery, and software—and identify which users each device suits best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | 149.6 × 71.5 × 8.3 mm | iPhone is more compact and easier to use one-handed. |
| Weight | 217.5g | 199g | iPhone is lighter, better for long-term comfort. |
| Stylus Support | Yes | No | Moto G Stylus is better for note-taking and drawing. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | None (Face ID only) | Moto offers faster, tactile unlock; iPhone relies on Face ID. |
Key Insight:
- The Moto G Stylus is bulkier but includes a built-in stylus—ideal for productivity.
- The iPhone 16 Pro is sleeker and lighter, favoring portability and premium feel.
Display
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 16 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" IPS LCD | 6.3" OLED | Moto has a larger screen, but iPhone’s OLED is sharper and more vibrant. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 (387 PPI) | 1206x2622 (460 PPI) | iPhone has 22% more pixels—better clarity for photos/videos. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | iPhone feels smoother in scrolling and gaming. |
| Max Brightness | Not specified | 2000 nits | iPhone is far superior outdoors in sunlight. |
Key Insight:
- The iPhone 16 Pro wins in display quality, with OLED, higher refresh rate, and dramatically better brightness.
- The Moto G Stylus offers a bigger screen but lacks the sharpness and fluidity of the iPhone.
Performance
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 16 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 (8nm) | A18 Pro (3nm) | iPhone is future-proof, significantly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 171,000 | 1,947,255 | iPhone is 10x more powerful—better for gaming & multitasking. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB | iPhone handles heavy apps and future OS updates better. |
| Storage Options | 128GB (non-expandable) | 128GB–1TB (non-expandable) | iPhone offers more high-capacity options. |
Key Insight:
- The iPhone 16 Pro is a flagship-tier device, while the Moto G Stylus is budget-friendly with midrange performance.
Cameras
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 16 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.7) | 48MP (f/1.78, Sony IMX903) | iPhone has a better sensor and computational photography. |
| Ultrawide | 16MP (f/2.2) | None | Moto offers wider shots, but iPhone compensates with software. |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP (f/2.8, optical zoom) | iPhone enables lossless zoom—great for portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP (f/2.0) | 12MP (f/1.9, Sony IMX714) | Moto has higher resolution, but iPhone’s sensor is better in low light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@60fps | 4K@120fps HDR | iPhone is far superior for videography. |
Key Insight:
- The iPhone 16 Pro dominates in video and low-light photography, while the Moto G Stylus has more lenses but weaker processing.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | Moto G Stylus 5G | iPhone 16 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 3582mAh | Moto has slightly longer battery life in theory. |
| Charging Speed | 10W wired | 25W wired, 25W wireless | iPhone charges much faster and supports wireless. |
Key Insight:
- The Moto G Stylus has a larger battery, but the iPhone charges faster and supports wireless charging.
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Strengths
✔ Built-in stylus (great for notes & creativity)
✔ Bigger screen (good for media consumption)
✔ More affordable (budget-friendly)
✔ Ultrawide & macro cameras (flexible shooting)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Strengths
✔ Far superior performance (A18 Pro is 10x faster)
✔ Best-in-class display (OLED, 120Hz, 2000 nits)
✔ Professional-grade cameras (4K HDR, Cinematic Mode)
✔ Compact, premium design (lighter & sleeker)
3. User Recommendations
Who Should Buy the Moto G Stylus 5G?
- Students & note-takers (stylus is invaluable)
- Budget-conscious users (lower price, decent specs)
- Media consumers (big screen, solid battery)
Who Should Buy the iPhone 16 Pro?
- Power users & professionals (top-tier performance)
- Photographers & videographers (best mobile camera)
- Those invested in Apple’s ecosystem (iMessage, AirDrop, etc.)
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself:
- Do I need a stylus or a bigger screen? → Moto G Stylus
- Do I prioritize performance & camera quality? → iPhone 16 Pro
- Am I willing to pay premium prices for flagship features? → iPhone
Final Verdict: Which Would I Choose?
My Pick: iPhone 16 Pro 🏆
Why?
- Camera & video capabilities are unmatched—I shoot a lot of videos.
- Performance is future-proof—no slowdowns for years.
- OLED + 120Hz makes everything feel smoother.
That said, if I needed a stylus for notes or was on a budget, I’d go for the Moto G Stylus 5G.
